The removal of phosphorus (P) in the wastewater is essential for the prevention of eutrophication in the river and stream. This study was initiated to evaluate the effect of the various heavy metals on the growth and P removal capacity of Pseudomonas sp., which was well known as phosphorus accumulating microorganism(PAO's) in the EBPR(Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal) process. The five heavy metals used in the study were Cu, As, Zn, Ni, and Cd. The growth rate of Pseudomonas sp. was the greatest at 25℃, but the removal efficiency of P was the highest at 30℃. The IC 50 (median Inhibition Concentration) values of Pseudomonas sp. for the Cu, As, Zn, Ni, and Cd were 2.35, 11.04, 1.80, 4.92, and 0.24 mg/L, respectively. Therefore, it appears that the sensitivity of the heavy metals to Pseudomonas sp. was in the following order: Cd> Zn> Cu> Ni> AS. Also, the P removal efficiencies by Pseudomonas sp. were correspondingly decreased as the concentrations of heavy metals were increased.
BACKGROUND:This study was performed to evaluate the effects of environmental factors and heavy metals on the growth and phosphorus removal capacity of Alcaligenes sp., which was well known as one of PAOs(Phosphorus Accumulating Microorganisms). METHODS AND RESULTS: The environmental factors used in this study were temperature, pH and carbon sources, and the heavy metals included Cu, Cd, Zn, As, and Ni. The growth and P removal efficiency of Alcaligenes sp. was maximal as temperature, pH, and carbon source were 25℃, 7, and glucose+acetate, respectively. Also, the IC 50 (median inhibitory Concentration) values of Alcaligenes sp. for the Cu, Cd, Zn, As, and Ni were 5.03, 0.08, 0.73, 282.20 and 4.74 mg/L, respectively.
CONCLUSION(S):Based on the results obtained from this study, it appears that the growth and P removal efficiency of Alcaligenes sp. were affected by the environment factors and at the best optimum condition for its growth and P removal efficiency, as the concentrations of heavy metals were gradually increased, its growth was correspondingly decreased.
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